Are you using the correct payment card online ?
Not all payment cards are the same, indeed there are different types:
1. Bank Debit Card
This is the worst type to use online as it is linked directly to your Bank account. If this card is compromised then so is your main bank account.
2. Credit Card
The credit card is a better choice, it has some guarantees attache and is not directly linked to your bank account but if it does become comprised it may take a month or more before you know and the funds could be paid by direct debit from your bank. This all leads to having to reclaim from the credit card company.
3. PrePay debit card
One of the safest forms of online payment; Before you make a payment you 'top up' the prepay card with the amount you want to spend, then use it for shopping. If the card later becomes comprised the funds on the card have already been spent so further transactions will fail and it has no link to your main Bank.
These cards usually have a sort code and account number on them which is NOT the same as your main bank but are the details for the top up process. These are the cards usually issued by Credit Unions.
4. Gift Card
A one off amount; like the prepay card once spent no further amounts can be taken
5. Virtual Card
This is a form of PrePay card but without a physical card. Like the prepay card the only risk is any funds left on the card; no access to your main bank account. Many virtual cards can be used from a smart phone.
Some operators allow you multiple virtual cards, this is useful as you can use different cards for different suppliers i.e. one for ebay and another for Amazon. If you then need to block a card you can do so without affecting other suppliers.
